PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR), a world leader in cancer treatment and x-ray imaging technology, today announced it has appointed Patrick Kupelian, MD to vice president of Clinical Affairs in the company's Oncology Systems business. In this role he will be involved in several aspects of Varian's oncology business including regulatory, product development, research and education, and cross-functional clinical support on all medical affairs initiatives. Dr. Kupelian will report directly to Dee Khuntia, MD, vice president Medical Affairs for the oncology business.

"Dr. Kupelian is an internationally known expert in the development and evaluation of cutting edge technologies in radiation oncology," said Dr. Khuntia. "He has played a significant role in the introduction and implementation of multiple image guidance techniques in radiotherapy, and will play a valuable role as Varian continues to develop market-leading technology in the fight against cancer."

"I am excited to join Varian and contribute to the ongoing effort to provide the best treatment possible to cancer patients anywhere in the world," said Dr. Kupelian. "I am proud to be joining a formidable team with a great mission."

Prior to joining Varian, Dr. Kupelian served as the vice-chair of Clinical Operations and Clinical Research at the University of California at Los Angeles where he will continue in his capacity as a Professor of Radiation Oncology at UCLA on a limited basis. At UCLA, he has contributed to initiatives such a patient outcome data collection, novel RT delivery methods such as 4pi, development of 3D-camera based room monitoring approaches, and advanced image guided and adaptive radiotherapy techniques.

Dr. Kupelian obtained his undergraduate and MD degrees from the American University of Beirut. Dr. Kupelian completed his residency training in radiation oncology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is board certified in Radiation Oncology and is a Fellow of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology. He is a member of the European Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Urological Association and the American Brachytherapy society.

About Varian Medical Systems
Varian Medical Systems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California, focuses energy on saving lives by equipping the world with advanced technology for fighting cancer and for X-ray imaging. The company is the world's leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy. The company supplies informatics software for managing comprehensive cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and medical oncology practices. Varian is also a premier supplier of X-ray imaging components, including tubes, digital detectors, and image processing software and workstations for use in medical, scientific, and industrial settings, as well as for security and non-destructive testing. Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 7,000 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and China and approximately 70 sales and support offices around the world. For more information, visit http://www.varian.com or follow us on Twitter.

Except for historical information, this news release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements concerning, industry and market outlook, including customer demand and acceptance of products or technology; growth drivers; the ability of Varian's technology and products to treat cancer or improve outcomes, and any statements using the terms "will," "continue," "ongoing," "possible" or similar statements, are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Varian's actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include the company's ability to meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory requirements for product clearances or to comply with FDA and other regulatory regulations or procedures; changes in the regulatory environment, including with respect to FDA requirements; challenges associated with the successful development or commercialization of the company's products or services ; and the other risks listed from time to time in Varian's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which by this reference are incorporated herein. Varian assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward looking statements in this release because of new information, future events, or otherwise.